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Abstract

The sequence and ultimate pattern of mineralisation in the major lateral radula teeth of two species of limpet, namely Patelloida alticostata and Scutellastra laticostata (Mollusca:Patellogastropoda), have been elucidated using energy dispersive, Raman and infrared spectroscopies. In both species, iron is the first element infiltrated into the teeth and, in the form of goethite, occupies the posterior cutting surface of the tooth cusps, whereas silica mineralises the rest of the tooth. The first onset of mineralisation, as judged by the initial influx of iron, occurs in the junction zone, the region separating the tooth cusp from the tooth base. Although differences between the two species do exist, the general pattern of tooth mineralisation is very similar, suggesting that the mineralisation of iron and silica is a very ancient character, both in this group and among molluscs as a whole.

The Microstructure, Proteomics and Crystallization of the Limpet Teeth

“…The weight percent of Fe and Si in the teeth cusp of Patelloida alticostata is 55-70% and less than 10%, respectively. [28] The distribution of Fe and Si is also in agreement with the literature that the parts away from the base of the tooth contain more Fe than Si, while in the parts that near the base the percentage of Si is higher than Fe. [25] Previously, silica was shown to be vital for the hardness.…”

“…Bands at 902 and 801 cm ‐1 assigned to the Fe‐O‐H bending vibrations in α‐FeOOH were not observed, indicating the removal of the goethite by HF. The band at 1091 cm −1 assigned to Si‐O‐Si was not found, indicating the absence of SiO 2 in the remaining . Thus, all these peaks were assigned to the chitin nature of the framework.…”

“…The band at 1091 cm −1 assigned to Si-O-Si was not found, indicating the absence of SiO 2 in the remaining. [28] Thus, all these peaks were assigned to the chitin nature of the framework.…”

Biological Crystallization

“…In both limpets and chitons, newly formed teeth consist of a a-chitin matrix with associated proteins [177]. In limpet teeth, mineralization begins with the formation of elongated crystals of goethite (a-FeOOH) [44] closely associated to the organic matrix [178].…”

Bakterien und Weichtiere: Prinzipien der Biomineralisation von Eisenoxid‐Materialien

“…Das erste kristalline Material (Goethit110a) erscheint in der Zahnbasis oder am Übergang zwischen Basis und Höcker 104. 108c, 125b, 130 Die ersten Mineralien im Zahnhöcker sind lineare Aggregate, die im Kontakt mit den Chitinfasern stehen. Dies spricht für eine durch die Fasern kontrollierte Orientierung der Kristalle 105.…”